Dabo Swinney raves about development of Antonio Williams at wide receiver

Antonio Williams went up and down through two seasons at Clemson. He’s now pointed back up with where the trajectory of his third season is headed.

Dabo Swinney assessed Williams’ progression as a player during a press conference this week. He began by pointing to some early success as well as injuries throughout last season that slowed his development since his arrival.

“He’s always been a really skilled kid. I think, early on, you know, he had some really good success early as a freshman. I’m not sure that was great for him,” said Swinney. “Really, a lot of hard coaching with him because I didn’t feel like that he – there’s more. There’s so much more there than what he did as a freshman. I just think he had some growing up to do and really learn how to, you know, be a complete player at the position, how to play hard all the time. You know, how to really become a craftsman.”

However, with the turn to this season, Swinney says Williams has done everything he has needed to in order to improve.

“If you really pay attention to how I’ve talked about Antonio, this guy has been unbelievable,” said Swinney. “He was one of the best we had. He’s one of the best leaders in the locker room in the offseason. I mean, the kid wants coaching. He’s just a product of putting the work in and buying in to what you need to do. He’s good but do you want to be great? Here’s what it’s going to take for you to be great.”

Through the Tigers’ five games, Williams has 19 receptions for 280 yards and four touchdowns. Those are all team-highs for their offense overall in the passing game. They’re also on pace to best his career-high numbers that he posted as a freshman, especially since he has already tied his high for scores with the four.

Again, those numbers to this point are a reflection of what Swinney has seen Williams do this offseason and during this fall. He has taken the role not only as a top receiver but as a leader on the team at Clemson.

“This kid has put the work in, man,’ said Swinney. “He has really, really grown with his fundamentals and his technique. Just his savvy, his knowledge. His understanding of the game, his understanding of route-running. How to influence guys, his break-point technique. Understanding defense, how to manipulate that. His release technique. I mean, he’s just on his way to being a pro. I mean, he’s a very, very good football player.”

“What I’m most proud of is the type of leader he has become,” Swinney added. “I mean, this kid has really become a great leader in that room and a guy that everybody respects and looks to.

Williams’ career could have taken a downward turn after last season. It’s very much pointed back upward, though, with what he has done and will continue to do for himself and the Tigers.

“It’s the way it should be, you know? I mean, you should get better. If you’re about the right things, you’ve got talent, and you’ve got the work ethic with it, you’ll get better,” Swinney said. “He’s just much more of a complete player than he’s ever been at any time since he’s been here.”

“I’m really proud of him,” said Swinney. “He’s a heck of a player. He can play for anybody and glad we’ve got him. I’m proud of his development but there’s more there. He’s still got more to do.”